It’s the most beautiful mash-up! Digital age technology meets analog letterpress printing equipment in this multi-week, hybrid workshop developed to teach you the steps and introductory skills needed to begin letterpress printing digital artwork. Digital letterpress is the most common way contemporary letterpress printers print announcement stationery and business cards, but it’s also possible for artists to print a hand-drawn illustration and with advanced experience, photo realistic images. This class will introduce students to the foundational skills required for successful digital letterpress including file creation and output, plate ordering tips, and inking and printing on a hand-operated press. Along the way we’ll trouble shoot problems as they arise for a wholistic learning experience. Learn how exciting it is to letterpress print your artwork from a custom polymer or copper plate.

Week 1 and 2 will meet online for didactic learning and 1:1 file feedback from the instructor. Week 3, while plates are being made, class will meet in-person and learn basic printing skills on the Vandercook presses. Week 4, students will print their own plates on press. For learning and time purposes, some design parameters will be supplied or collaboratively agreed upon such as ink colors and paper sheet size.

Students must have a computer and access to design programs such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop. Prior experience with digital design programs is required as the scope of this class does not include how-to use design software. Prior letterpress printing experience is not required. Successful completion of this course certifies students for Open Studio printing from their own plates. For access to The Printing Museum’s wood and metal type collection for printing, students will need to complete Learn Letterpress 1, 2, & 3.

---

Registration: $195, includes all materials.
Members receive a 10% discount. Become a member today!

Members must log in to activate the discount. If you are a member and don’t have a login, please contact us at info[at]printingmuseum.org.

---

Location: This hybrid workshop is online via Zoom and in-person at The Printing Museum.

Cancellations and refund requests must be made a minimum of three days (72 hours) prior to the first class date, by calling (713) 522-4652. We reserve the right to cancel the workshop and provide a full refund if we don’t make minimum enrollment.